Causes of Low Eosinophils, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Illustration (Getty Images/Md Ariful Islam)

YOGYAKARTA - Low eosinophils do not always show clear symptoms. Eosinophils are white blood cells that play a role in fighting infections and reacting to allergens in the body. When levels are low, this can indicate a disorder in the immune system or certain health problems.

Causes of low eosinophils can come from infections, drug use, or certain hormonal conditions. Given its important role, a decrease in eosinophil levels can affect the body's ability to fight infections. Therefore, it is important to understand the causes of low eosinophils. Here is the discussion.

Reported from the Cleveland Clinic, eosinophils are one type of white blood cell or leukocyte that plays an important role in the immune system. This cell belongs to the granulocyte group along with neutrophils and basophils, each having different functions in protecting the body. Eosinophils are known for their ability to fight parasitic infections as well as playing a role in allergic responses.

When foreign particles enter the body, eosinophils help attack and destroy them by releasing toxic proteins. This process helps the body defend itself against disease-causing organisms, including intracellular bacteria, exposure to allergens, and parasitic infections.

As reported by Medical News Today, low eosinophil levels can be caused by several factors that affect the function of the immune system. One of the causes is acute infection, where the body sends eosinophils to the tissues to fight the infection so that their levels in the blood decrease. Bacterial infections such as sepsis are often associated with low levels of eosinophils in the body.

Certain medications can also lower eosinophil levels, for example, glucocorticoid anti-inflammatory drugs. The use of glucocorticoids can cause low eosinophil levels.

Another fairly common cause is Cushing's syndrome, which is a condition when cortisol levels are too high in the body. Cortisol suppresses the immune system and can cause low eosinophil levels. This condition can occur due to cortisol medications or health problems.

Someone who has low eosinophil levels often does not show any symptoms. This is because eosinophil levels in adults tend to be naturally low. However, symptoms usually appear due to underlying medical conditions, not from eosinopenia itself.

For example, in people with Cushing's syndrome, some of the symptoms that can appear include weight gain on the face or the middle of the body. In addition, sufferers may experience fatigue that makes daily activities feel heavier. Easy bruising can also be a sign of low eosinophils.

Some serious conditions such as sepsis can show more severe symptoms. This condition is high risk and is the main cause of death worldwide with a mortality rate of 40 percent.

Diagnosis of low eosinophil levels is done through a complete blood count or white blood cell count. This test can show the number of eosinophils as well as provide an overview of the health of other white blood cells.

In many cases, low eosinophils do not require special treatment. If the cause is a specific medication, the doctor may suggest discontinuing or replacing the medication. Regular monitoring may be necessary to ensure eosinophil levels return to normal after a change in treatment.

If the cause of low eosinophils is a medical condition such as sepsis or Cushing's syndrome, treatment will be focused on the condition. Sepsis sufferers usually need antibiotics, or in some cases require ventilation or surgery. Managing these underlying conditions is the key to restoring normal eosinophil levels.

So is the discussion of the causes of low eosinophils and their symptoms. By recognizing the causes and symptoms, you can take faster steps to maintain body health.

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